Water level warning for Timiskaming Dam Complex area

TIMISKAMING, QC, May 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise the public that, as a result of significant rainfall forecasted this week on the Ottawa River watershed, levels all along the Ottawa River and on Lake Timiskaming should increase significantly. Water levels will definitely be well above normal for this time of year.

The actual water level (as of this morning) on the north end of Lake Timiskaming was 178.8 m and should continue to rise at a rate between 15 and 20 cm per day during the coming week. We should reach the maximum operating water level of 179.56 m by this weekend.

Municipalities and residents, especially those in low-lying areas and along shorelines, are encouraged to monitor these conditions and prepare accordingly. Shorelines and banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard. We encourage everyone to keep children and pets away from shorelines and watercourses.

Keeping a close watch on local conditions and staying updated on forecasts and warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada is strongly recommended. PSPC will continue to monitor weather forecasts, river flows and water levels.